Community is Key

I believe that the greatest lie that the enemy has led us all to believe is that we are in this thing called life alone. The truth is we are all fighting some sort of battle waiting for someone to look over with an empathetic, “me too, sister.” The reality is that we weren’t meant to embark on any journey alone. There are women that are not only crying out, “me too,” but also willing to battle uphill alongside us. I’ve been journeying up my hill with some of the most fearless women I’ve ever met for a little over a year now. I can’t even remember what life was like when I wasn’t surrounded by this community.

See, I was the girl who threw in the towel on Thursday and chanted the infamous words: I’ll start fresh Monday. I was also the girl who worked out but followed it up with late night Chinese food and some wine. I’ve been the girl who ate only 500 calories a day and worked out multiple times per day out of fear that I was overweight. Now, I’m the girl who can turn to Jesus instead of food for comfort. I’m the girl who knows my worth because of to Whom I belong, not because of my pants size. I’m the girl who leads other women in their health and fitness journeys because of what the Lord has done in mine. My question is, why not you?

I love my health community because of the joy and accountability that it brings to my life. Accountability has been the ultimate game changer for me when it comes to reaching my goals. I need someone who will challenge me and cheer me on when all I want to do is throw in the towel. Because I’ve had those people in my life, it is now my life mission to be that person for someone else. This is how my health community came to be. I understand the pressure to look a certain way because I’ve lived it. I’ve starved myself and tried countless shortcuts. It wasn’t until I gave this area of my life over to Jesus that I started to see myself the way I always wanted to. I can now look in the mirror and love the woman who looks back at me. I am confident because I am making a conscious effort to offer my body as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I have made it my mission to equip women to live healthy and whole lives that will come to this same realization.

If you’ve found yourself on this journey with no one walking alongside you, I want to be that person for you. I love working with the women I get to work with every day in my fitness and nutrition accountability groups. I don’t take my role in their journeys lightly. This wild but rewarding wellness journey would not be if it weren’t for the women in my tribe that champion and challenge me. I want the same for you. I challenge you to get involved in a community that will love you back to life. If you don’t know where to start – let’s connect. Nothing would bring me more joy than to see you walking in abundant health and walking with sweet community.

If you’re already a part of an accountability group, I’m sharing three fun challenges for you!

1. Train for and run a 5k together: If you’re new to running, a 5k is the perfect place to start. If you’re a running veteran, a 5k is the perfect distance to run with friends! Meet up on Saturdays for a run, then catch up over coffee after for some much-needed girl time

2. Do a clean eating challenge: Nutrition plays such a huge role in living a healthy lifestyle. So many people fail to realize that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise. If your crew has goals this summer to shed a few pounds or live healthier, participate in a challenge that will help lay the foundation for your goals.

3. Take a cooking class together: I have so many girlfriends that want to eat healthier but have no idea where to start or how to make healthy taste good. Find a group class that will incorporate whole foods to learn your way around the kitchen.

Have some other ideas to get involved with a health community? Be sure to share them with us to encourage other women on the journey.

Related

Rachel is a digital marketing manager by day and blogger + fitness coach by night. Seeing women live healthy & whole lives that bring glory and honor to our Savior is her jam. You can usually find her chatting it up with an americano in hand at a local coffee shop or wandering aimlessly around Whole Foods. She's lives life in Indianapolis with her new husband and you can follow her journey at www.rachelsymone.com .
--
Love what Rachel has to say? Want to get in touch? Email her at Rachel@radiantmagazine.org!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US:

Radiant Magazine is a space where beautiful words, encouragement, and inspiration flow freely. And you guessed it, Jesus is the golden thread that weaves together everything we are about here! Join our tribe! #stayradiantxo